William summons his tenants-in-chief and "landowning men…

William summons his tenants-in-chief and "landowning men of any account" to Salisbury in August 1068. where they swear allegiance to him and to be faithful against all other men.

The oath, known as the Otah of Salisbury, is demanded at a time of crisis when the Conqueror is facing revolt and invasion.

There seems little doubt that it is intended as a practical assurance and reminder rather than as a constitutional statement.